CCA Bulletin 1.11.26

Dear Parents,

In a few short weeks, our 5th-8th graders and their families will be enjoying the Lutheran Elementary School Tournament (L.E.S.T.). The first L.E.S.T. was held in 1962 at Concordia University-Portland, with four Portland-area schools (St. Paul-Sherwood, Trinity-Oregon City, Trinity-Portland, and Martin Luther-Portland). This first gathering consisted of a boys’ basketball tournament. A few years later, a volleyball competition was added for the girls. As word of the tournament spread, schools from outside of the Portland area (Idaho, Montana, California, Southern Oregon, Nevada, and Washington) began traveling by car, train, plane, or bus to participate in the L.E.S.T. Over time, additional activities and competitions were added.

Concordia University-Portland hosted its last L.E.S.T. in February 2020. Thanks to many faithful Lutheran schools and generous donors from around the Pacific Northwest, Montana, Idaho, British Columbia, and California, the L.E.S.T. lives on. The L.E.S.T. went virtual in April of 2021 due to the COVID pandemic, but became ‘live’ in February of 2022 in the South Puget Sound region. Participating schools now work collectively to operate the tournament with the guidance and support of a tournament director, hosting L.E.S.T. events at numerous locations in and around Tacoma, with Concordia Christian Academy, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and Tacoma Community College being primary sites.

L.E.S.T. Northwest is based on the value of Christian education that emphasizes the love and praise of Jesus, and the thankful use of personal talents and service to others. The primary goals of the L.E.S.T. Northwest are to promote fun, skill development, fair play, and fellowship among Lutheran elementary school youth through academic, athletic, and artistic activities. 

The tournament offers over twenty individual and team events that facilitate participants’ emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual growth. Participation and maximal involvement for each school are encouraged. It is the position of the L.E.S.T. that participation in competition can facilitate optimal growth and development. By focusing on doing one’s best rather than overemphasizing winning, it is hoped that the competition will promote a positive sense of self-worth and lifelong participation in academic and recreational activities.

Our 5th-8th graders are now preparing for competition. The tournament runs February 12-14. You may find more information about L.E.S.T. Northwest at https://lestnorthwest.org/.

Mrs. Schuldheisz is the L.E.S.T. coordinator at our school. You may reach out to her with any questions you have.

We hope to see many of you at this fun event!

In Christ,

Sherrie Gibelyou

sherrie.gibelyou@ccatacoma.org

253-389-0349